Overview of Kensington and Chelsea
Kensington and Chelsea is currently rated 4.32 out of 5 from 199 reviews by locals in the area. Some residents shared useful insights of Kensington and Chelsea, such as “I wish I could live here forever”. In Kensington and Chelsea the highest rated ward is Holland, which has a rating of 5.00 from 6 reviews. The lowest rated is Dalgarno, with a rating of 3.56 from 9 reviews. SW3 4LY is currently rated as the best postcode in Kensington and Chelsea with a rating of 4.63 out of 24 reviews. The lowest rated postcode is W10 5AZ with a rating of 3.73 from 44 reviews.
Most Positive
“I wish I could live here forever”
Most Negative
“The high Street is in need of regeneration as it has suffered with Westfield opening up a couple of years ago.”
Lonsdale Rd, W11 2DEit feels as though residents are overlooked in favour of the tourists because of the amount of money they bring into the area.
I like the local amenities - it is near the market and supermarket, it is easy to travel to work and to the West End for an evening out. The transport links are fairly good, particularly in off-peak times, and I do like the diversity of the area and its history of music and arts. It is quirky and eclectic, and for the 30+ years I have been here, I can't imagine living anywhere else. However, it is marketed by Kensington and Chelsea council as upmarket and the prices of the properties and housing reflect this, but in reality it feels as though residents are overlooked in favour of the tourists because of the amount of money they bring into the area. There is little residents on low to mid-incomes can afford, because once the bills, rent and council tax is paid, there is not much left. The area is reasonably safe for children and pets, but perhaps some times of the week such as evenings during a Saturday and Sunday, things may not be child-appropriate due to antisocial behaviour especially during the summer. There are many smaller parks and areas to walk dogs etc, so I would say it is pet-friendly, but many dog owners are irresponsible with dog mess which is a problem in the area. Crime is fairly low in some of the areas, but quite high around the council estates and some council housing blocks.
Transport
The area is served by three main tube stations - Ladbroke Grove, Westbourne Park and Notting Hill Gate. All within at least a 1 mile radius. The buses are also fairly regular (7, 23, 70), but since the 23 was re-routed from Liverpool Street to Hammersmith, the bus is quite often empty because the Hammersmith and City and Circle lines to Hammersmith is a much quicker journey. The buses and trains are fairly fast during off-peak hours, but can be slow and interrupted during peak times. The night tubes and buses are also fairly fast, regular and smooth because they are during off-peak hours. I cannot comment on the cycle routes, but I have seen many routes which appear to be safe and away from traffic, especially in areas off the beaten track rather than the main roads.
Community
There is a mix of council, housing association and privately owned properties. Although it is an expensive area and is considered "posh" by outsiders due to the number of VIP people who live in W11, there is a significant number of people on low and middle incomes, and needing financial assistance. There is a deep divide between rich and poor. To see this divide, start walking from the end of Lancaster Road known for the multi-coloured Victorian houses, and keep walking in a straight line - you will reach the area where Grenfell Tower burnt down in 2017. You would not believe it is the same road. Same if you walk down one end of Portland Road to the other. There is a mix of families, single people, elderly people, students, new migrants and refugees, and descendants of the original Caribbean immigrants from the 1950s and 1960s. All live reasonably well together, but in some areas there is also a great deal of social problems, crime, drugs, fraud and anti-social behaviour which is not always evident to outsiders.
Amenities
Generally good range of amenities, particularly the pubs and fruit and vegetable stalls in Portobello Road and street food in Acklam Road. I love the bric a brac stalls in Golborne Road too. I feel the amenities missing are a good bicycle shop since the Bicycle Workshop on All Saints Road closed down in 2017, a newsagent on All Saints Road, and more affordable restaurants and pubs for locals and those on a lower budget. For example, the Chipping Forecast on All Saints Road sells fish and chips at approximately £19 per portion, which is well outside of many people's price bracket. The only affordable pub in the area for locals is the Earl of Lonsdale in Portobello Road, which sells a pint of beer on average £3.50-4, or Jay Dee's Caribbean restaurant on All Saints Road, which sells lunch for £5. There are many places for tourists to enjoy, but very little that locals and those on a budget can enjoy in an already expensive area.
Egerton Gardens, SW3 2BWI wish I could live here forever
The area is a mix of neighbourhoods and different atmospheres throughout. I can easily reach Knightsbridge and Harrods which is always busy and very touristy but I usually prefer walking towards South Kensington into Fulham road or further into king’s road. You will find yourself walking into some beautiful tree lined streets with colourful houses in Godfrey street (reminds me of Notting hill) or red brick period Mansions and beautiful Mews. There are families and dogs and you can casually hear kids playing from some of the best schools in London. I love to walk and hear kids screaming and having fun as it makes me feel hopeful for the future. I am 32 years old and don’t intent to have kids but I love to see them around. In terms of safety I would rate this a safe area with the casual car or house break in which is unavoidable these days but many streets have privately funded security at night time and that’s a bonus.
Transport
When it comes to transport links I cannot complain. South Kensington, Gloucester Road and Knightsbridge station are all without walking distance providing a reliable service all year round. Bus routes 49, 74, 114, 14, 70, C1, 430, 345 are also available at your door covering day and night service. The only issue is the amount of traffic we tend to get between Knightsbridge and Hyde Park Corner. It should be only a 7 minute ride but it can easily take 20 or more minutes by bus or car. It is that crazy so rush hour is a no for me and I’d rather walk.
Community
I live in a garden square tucked away from the very busy brompton road. So, in between Knightsbridge and South Kensington. It is quite and very clean in my opinion. The Kensington and Chelsea borough does a brilliant jobs. Brompton Road is busy at every time of the day and night but being in a garden square changes that and it makes me feel almost as if I lived somewhere else. My neighbours are a mix of owners and renters but I would say mostly renters like myself and mostly Europeans. The main issue we face, however, is antisocial behaviour with fast cars driving as if they were in Silverstone. It produces noise especially in quite square gardens. They wouldn’t do it in Dubai because they can get arrested there but somehow they feel like they can do it here in London.
Amenities
I can describe the area I live as quite central in London. There is a wide range of upscale and long established restaurants from my favourite Italian to Russian, Chinese or Russian all within walking distance. The area is also filled with retail shops which range from fast fashion to luxury boutiques with the likes of Chanel and Hermes. Yet, the best part is the amount of green areas and open spaces we have available which is a true blessing as it motivates me on my morning walks and throughout the day. With tree lined streets, gorgeous garden squares and Hyde park at your door, spring and autumn are truly a feast for the eyes. Not to forget all the amazing local shops offering the best groceries out there from all over Europe. I cannot see myself living in London without those French and Italian delicatessen. Yes, I love my cheese, my DOP Pasta and my extra virgin olive oil as much as my local pub. In the recent years we have seen a growth in cafes but I am missing the wine bars and aperitifs we once had. Unfortunately those little places have moved out of the area but I remain hopeful for them to come back. Harrods is particular popular as well as the Victoria and Albert, Science and Natural History museums for reason I recommend morning visits between Monday and Wednesday. Any other day or time tends to get busy and crowded.
Iverna Ct, W8 6TXThe high Street is in need of regeneration as it has suffered with Westfield opening up a couple of years ago.
I dislike the fact that there is no cinema. There are pets s and children. It is quite safe although there was a mugging. The high Street is in need of regeneration as it has suffered with Westfield opening up a couple of years ago.
Transport
The transport links are good. Several bus routes regularly stop by. There is a good tube service but the tube station does NOT have a lift or escalator. It can get very busy especially during rush hour.
Community
The people who live on my street are all owners and some are serviced apartments. A lot of families live on my street. There is a tiny , pocket handkerchief sized garden. It is a relatively quiet area very near to good transport links and local amenities.
Amenities
There is a park which is very popular called Holland Park. That has a playground. There is no cinema but the shops are quite good although a lot of them have shut down. We like any other area have been affected by COVID -19 so social distancing is in place. There are gyms but no high class restaurants just your average McDonalds.
Portobello Rd, W11 1LLI love the big shopping market
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Transport
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Community
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Amenities
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Arundel Gardens, W11 2LNPortobello could do with some more shops as sadly most have gone due to covid-19.
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Transport
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Community
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Amenities
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Arundel Gardens, W11 2LNThere is a good atmosphere in the local area and it is quote safe.
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Transport
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Community
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Amenities
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Notting Hill Gate, W11 3QSNotting Hill Gate
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Clare Gardens, W11 1NXThere is a nice vibe in this neighbourhood
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Transport
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Community
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Amenities
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Ladbroke Grove, W11 1PYI have no complaints at all
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Transport
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Community
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Amenities
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Ledbury Rd, W11 2AQI would hesitate before walking around at night
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Transport
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Community
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Amenities
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